Sens GM will talk to 'unhappy' Spezza

Senators GM Bryan Murray plans to have a chat with Jason Spezza about reports the star sniper remains unhappy with some of his treatment from fans and media during the playoffs. (OTTAWA SUN file photo)

The Senators GM told Sportsnet following GMs meetings before Game 3 of the Stanley Cup final in Philadelphia on Wednesday that he will sit down with Spezza in the next three weeks before the centre's no-movement clause kicks in July 1.

Spezza was unhappy after the Senators were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Penguins and complained to Murray about being booed by Ottawa fans.

There are indications Spezza may have asked for a trade during the meeting.

Dealing Spezza, however, isn't part of Murray's plan.

"He was a little unhappy at the end of the year," Murray said. "I took it as being somewhat emotional more than anything. I haven't talked to him in the last few weeks.

"I just want to talk about the year and his role with the team. I want to get his opinion on where we're going, what we're adding or what we might be subtracting.

"He's a veteran enough guy like (Daniel Alfredsson or Chris Phillips), who I talk to about a variety of stuff, what we all want to do. Jason has been around long enough now he should carry more responsibility."

Murray wouldn't confirm whether Spezza, who has five years and $35 million (all terms US) remaining on his contract, asked to be dealt.

Murray doesn't want to go through another summer like he did last year with Dany Heatley.

"(Spezza's) not always going to satisfy everyone because he's a skill player, not a gritty run-around guy. He's not going to hit people - but we don't want him to do that," said Murray. "He probably gets lambasted a little more (by the fans) than an energy guy."

Murray added he's spoken to a couple of teams about moving Anton Volchenkov's rights before the blueliner becomes a UFA on July 1.

As reported by the Ottawa Sun, Volchenkov turned down the Senators' five-year, $20-million offer after the Olympics.

"I've talked to a couple of teams, but the money frightens some of the (GMs) right now."